Program offers families ‘beach party’

January 9, 2013

FAIRMONT - Fairmont Area Schools wants younger children to get out and get active, despite the weather.

To that end, the school is hosting a beach party tonight for children up to 5 years old and their families. The party is a part of the Early Childhood Family Education's calendar of "extra opportunities" in January, and a way for families interested in registering for classes to learn more about the program.

Fairmont Elementary Assistant Principal Michelle Rosen says even those not interested in signing up for a class should consider stopping by, simply to give the kids a chance to run around and play.

"Learning is about playing, and playing is about learning," she said.

ECFE classes are for children up to 5 years old and their parent or caregiver. Classes are divided into a time for parents and children to play together before separating.

"The kids get to keep playing," Rosen said, "and the parent get to talk to other adults about what is this parenting journey we are on."

Other activities planned for the month are:

o Play-N-Learn: 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Jan. 4 and 9, for students 2-5 and a caregiver. Cost is $2 per family.

o Open gym: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and 22, for students 1-5 years old and a caregiver. Cost is $2 per family.

o Love and Logic at Lunch: Noon-1 p.m. today, Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13. This is a parent-only class. They will bring their own lunch and talk about parenting topics. The cost is $30 for five weeks.

o Lapsit with the Library: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Jan. 10, 17, 24. Jennifer Tow, the children's librarian from the Martin County Library, will lead a storytime for students up to 2 years old and a caregiver. The cost is $2 per family.

o Super Saturday/Grandparents: 9:30-11 a.m. Jan. 12. For students 2-6 years old and their grandparents. $5 per class.

Parents also can get information about spring openings in the preschool program for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds.